ALTHOUGH it has been a slow start for the reigning champions to start their title defence, the Illawarra Hawks are looking to build some momentum in the 2025/26 NBL season, and in their way tonight are the New Zealand Breakers.

The Hawks were sitting at the bottom of the ladder for a large portion of the first month of the season despite coming off a championship and the addition of JaVale McGee. However, they may have found some form of late, and although they are behind the eight-ball in terms of win/loss record, the Hawks are as dangerous as anyone.

They will host the Breakers at WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday night, and the visitors will be eager to get back on the winners’ list having lost their last two outings despite putting up some strong performances.

Illawarra Hawks vs. New Zealand Breakers

MyState Bank Arena
Friday, October 31 @ 7:30pm

The Hawks started the season in underwhelming fashion fresh off winning last season’s championship in a dominant campaign. They struggled to chalk out a win and despite some dominant play from McGee, Illawarra slumped to 10th spot in the standings and did not look like the team that finished at the top of the table last year.

However, the Hawks bounced back with a gutsy road win over the Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena last weekend, in a victory that could light the spark for the rest of their season. Despite being undermanned, Illawarra stood firm and showed plenty of character in one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams in the NBL.

The Hawks will get a massive boost tonight as well, with the return of William Hickey, who has been designated as the team’s point guard this season, but has missed the opening weeks of the fixture through injury. One of the heroes from last year’s championship-winning campaign, Illawarra will be much more dangerous with Hickey on the floor.

The Breakers have bounced back from a really tough few weeks to start the season to put together some strong performances over the last couple of rounds. New Zealand put the Tasmania JackJumpers to the sword in Round 5 across the Tasman Sea in what loomed as a result that could have shaped the rest of their season.

Unfortunately, the Breakers backed that up with a pair of losses, including their most recent defeat at the hands of the Brisbane Bullets by a solitary point in a heartbreaking finish. New Zealand also took it right up to the ladder-leaders in Melbourne United for much of their clash a couple of weeks ago, so the Breakers are right around the mark and are certainly in the frame for a road win tonight.

One of the shining lights for the Breakers so far this season has been the performance of Sam Mennenga, who has been immense for New Zealand over the last month of play. He has shown the best scoring power of his career over the past couple of weeks in particular, and although he has a big challenge in the form of McGee, it would be a statement performance if he can stand up against the three-time NBA Champion.